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About Seido

Seido Karate is a traditional Japanese style of karate, into which its founder, Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura has distilled the essence of what he has learned about the martial arts in over 50 years of study, practice, and teaching. The World Seido Karate Organization officially opened its headquarters on October 15, 1976, in New York City. We are now a worldwide organization, with thriving branches throughout the United States and in such diverse places as Asia, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, South Africa, and South America. Nevertheless, within Seido, growth of our branch schools is not pursued for its own sake. Quality of instruction and development of the student is paramount. The physical training in Seido can be strenuous, emphasizing progressive development of strength, flexibility and aerobic capacity. In addition to developing students with the highest level of physical skill, Seido aims to develop individuals of the highest moral character.

Meaning of “SEIDO”

'Sei' means truth, honesty and sincerity. 'Do' means Way, way of karate and way of life. The word karate is made up of two characters; 'kara' which means empty and 'te' means 'hand'. KARATE-DO is the way of empty-hand. Therefore Seido means the way of truth, honesty and sincerity. Karate is not a religion but an upright path in which one can find peace of mind and possibly find one's true self if that is what you seek.
A 'dojo' is a special place where we go to learn the sincere way of karate. The Seido physical training program emphasises the progressive development of fitness, flexibility and aerobic capacity in a safe, friendly environment. Seido Karate provides you with a complete program in physical conditioning; the training utilises every muscle in your body!
Kaicho Nakamura realised that some styles of martial arts discriminated against the weak. Seido Karate includes classes for the blind and learning impaired. Instead of discriminating against those weaker than yourselves, Kaicho wishes for his students to maintain a value system that includes reaching out a helping hand to weaker people around them, not only benefiting the weaker student, but developing the skills of the stronger student, such as understanding and opening up their minds to see that there are more things than just what is on the surface.
Seido Karate develops confidence, character and integrity. The meditation practice improves focus and concentration. The karate training and meditation practice develop a quality we call 'Bushido', a non-quitting spirit and the motivation for self-improvement.. This results in improved abilities at work, school and life in general. It is also a means to avoid drugs, gangs and excessive television and video games.
Whatever reasons prompted you to join, please remember that you will not achieve results overnight. Only, time, practice and commitment will enable you to realise your personal goals - so the more you put into your training, the more you will get out of it. At Seido Karate, the real competition is with yourself.
The only requirement is that you give your best effort at all times. Our only goal is that each day, when you leave you are a little better than when you came. We provide you with the program, supervision, and atmosphere that will allow you to realise your full potential for growth and achievement.
Seido Karate is one of the most effective forms of unarmed self defence. In learning the karate basics, you will develop the ability to defend yourself. You will also learn how to apply this knowledge to be able to defend yourself in real-life situations.
Finally, with an open mind, you will begin to experience a profound effect in your daily life through the lessons of your karate training.